1998 NISSAN SENTRA light

Adjusting tone quality and speaker
balance
To adjust BASS, TREB (treble), BAL (bal-
ance) and FADER, the control knobs must
be released from their stowed positions.
Pushing the knobs once moves them from
their stowed positions.
In the released position, the knobs control
tone quality. Turn the control knobs to adjust
BASS and TREB (treble) to the desired level.
From the released position, the knobs must
then be pulled out in order to control FADER
and BAL (balance). FADER adjusts the soundlevel between the front and rear speakers,
and BAL (balance) adjusts the sound level
between the right and left speakers.
Once sound quality is set to the desired
levels, return the control knobs to their
stowed positions by pushing them in com-
pletely.
CASSETTE TAPE OPERATION
Turn the ignition key to the ACC or ON
position, and carefully insert a cassette tape
into the tape door. The cassette tape auto-
matically pulls into the player. The word
TAPE illuminates in the display.
CAUTION
Do not force the cassette tape into the
tape door. This could cause player
damage.
Precautions on cassette player op-
eration
cTo maintain good quality sound,
NISSAN recommends using cassette
tapes of 60 minutes or shorter in
length.
cCassette tapes should be removed
from the player when not in use. Store
cassettes in their protective cases
and away from direct sunlight, heat,
moisture or magnetic sources.
cDirect sunlight can cause the cassette
to become deformed. The use of de-
formed cassettes may cause the cas-
sette to jam in the player.
cDo not use cassettes that have peel-
ing or loose labels. If used, the label
could jam in the player.
cIf a cassette has loose tape, insert a
pencil through one of the cassette
AHA1029
Heater, air conditioner and audio systems4-23
ZX

When a new compact disc is inserted,
the play pattern automatically changes
to ALL.
CD EJECT button
When thebutton is pushed with a com-
pact disc loaded, the compact disc ejects.
When the
button is pushed while the
compact disc is playing, the compact disc
ejects and the system turns off.
If the compact disc ejects and is not
removed within 10 seconds, it is pulled
back into the slot.
CD (DISC) indicator light
This light comes on when a compact disc is
loaded into the player.
CAUTION
cDuring cold weather or rainy days,
the player may malfunction due to
the humidity. If this occurs, remove
the CD and dehumidify or ventilate
the player completely.
cThe player may skip while driving on
rough roads.cThe CD player sometimes cannot
function when the compartment tem-
perature is extremely high. Decrease
the temperature before use.
cDo not expose the CD to direct sun-
light.
Microphone installed model
If equipped with a genuine cellular phone,
your NISSAN features a non-directional mi-
crophone in the steering column cover, so it
is not necessary to look at or speak directly
into the microphone when calling.
To do so could detract from the driving
operation and cause an accident.
See the manual for car phone operation.
Pre-wired and antenna for phone
installed model
Some models are pre-wired to accept the
genuine NISSAN cellular phone.
In addition, the same model has the phone
antenna built into the rear glass window.
When installing a CB ham radio or a car
phone in your NISSAN, be sure to observe
the following cautions, otherwise the new
equipment may adversely affect the Multi-
port Fuel Injection (MFI) system and other
electronic parts.
CB RADIO OR CAR PHONE
4-26Heater, air conditioner and audio systems
ZX

MANUAL TRANSMISSION
The ignition switch includes an anti-theft
steering lock device.
The key can be removed only when the
ignition switch is in the LOCK position.
On manual transmission models, to turn
the ignition key to LOCK from ACC or ON,
turn the key to OFF and press in the key
release button, then turn the key to LOCK.
To lock the steering wheel, remove the
key. In order for the steering wheel to be
locked, it must be turned about 1/8 of a
turn clockwise from the straight up posi-tion. To unlock the steering wheel, insert
the key and turn it gently while rotating
the steering wheel slightly right and left.
WARNING
Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
On automatic transmission models the igni-
tion lock is designed so the key cannot be
turned to LOCK and removed until the shift
selector lever is moved to the P (Park)
position.
When removing the key from the ignition,
make sure the shift selector lever is in the P
(Park) position.
When the key cannot be turned to the LOCK
position, proceed as follows to remove the
key.
ASD1013ASD1014
IGNITION SWITCH
5-4Starting and driving
ZX

1) Move the shift selector lever into the P
(Park) position.
2) Turn the ignition key slightly toward the
ON position.
3) Turn the key to the LOCK position.
4) Remove the key.
If the key is removed from the ignition
switch, the shift selector lever cannot be
moved from P (Park).The shift selector
lever can be moved if the ignition switch
is in the ACC position. The shift selector
lever can also be moved if the ignition
switch is in the ON position and the foot
brake pedal is depressed.
There is an OFF position between the
LOCK and ACC positions. The OFF position
is indicated by a ``1'' on the key cylinder.
When the ignition is in OFF, the steering
wheel is not locked.
To lock the steering wheel, remove the
key. In order for the steering wheel to be
locked, it must be turned about 1/8 of a
turn clockwise from the straight up posi-
tion. To unlock the steering wheel, insert
the key and turn it gently while rotating
the steering wheel slightly right and left.WARNING
Never remove the key while driving. If
the key is removed, the steering wheel
will lock. This may cause the driver to
lose control of the vehicle and could
result in serious vehicle damage or
personal injury.
Key positions
LOCK: Normal parking position (0)
OFF: (Manual transmission model) (1)
The engine can be turned off without locking
the steering wheel.
ACC: (Accessories) (2)
This position activates electrical accesso-
ries such as the radio when the engine is
not running.
ON: Normal operating position (3)
This position turns on the ignition system
and the electrical accessories.
START: (4)
This position activates the starter motor,
which starts the engine.cMake sure the area around the vehicle is
clear.
cMaintenance items listed here should be
checked periodically, e.g., each time you
check engine oil.
cCheck that all windows and lights are
clean.
cVisually inspect tires for their appearance
and condition. Also check tires for proper
inflation.
cLock all doors.
cPosition seat and adjust head restraints.
cAdjust inside and outside mirrors.
cFasten seat belts and ask all passengers
to do likewise.
c
Check the operation of warning lights
when key is turned to the ON (3) position.
See ``Warning/indicator lights and chimes''
in the ``Instruments and controls'' section.
BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINE
Starting and driving5-5
ZX

Shifting with automatic transmission
Push the button to shift into P (Park), R (Re-
verse) or from D (Drive) to 2. All other positions
can be selected without pushing the button.
P (Park):
Use this selector position when the vehicle is
parked or when starting the engine. Always
be sure the vehicle is at a complete stop. For
maximum safety, depress the brake pedal,
then push in the shift lever button and move
the lever to the P (Park) position. Apply the
parking brake. When parking on a hill, apply
the parking brake first, then shift the lever
into the P (Park) position.
Shifting from P (Park)
If the ignition switch is in the ON position
and the foot brake pedal is depressed, but
the shift selector lever still cannot be moved
out of P (Park), follow these instructions.
1. Turn the ignition key to the LOCK posi-
tion.
2. Apply the parking brake.
3. Reinsert the key and turn it to the ACC
position.
4.
Depress the foot brake pedal and move
the shift selector lever to N (Neutral).
5. Start the engine.These instructions for starting the vehicle in
N (Neutral) should only be used until service
can be obtained at an authorized NISSAN
dealership. Never drive the vehicle if the
stop lights are not operating properly.
R (Reverse):
Use this position to back up. Always be sure
the vehicle is at a complete stop before
shifting into the R (Reverse) position. For
maximum safety, check to ensure the area
behind the vehicle is clear. With the brake
pedal depressed, push in the shift selector
lever button and move the shift selector
lever to the R (Reverse) position.
N (Neutral):
Neither forward nor reverse gear is engaged.
The engine can be started in this position.
You may shift to N (Neutral) and restart a
stalled engine while the vehicle is moving.
D (Drive):
Use this position for all normal forward
driving.
2 (Second gear):
Use this position for hill climbing or engine
braking on downhill grades.
ASD0612
Starting and driving5-7
ZX

Do not shift into the 2 position at speeds
above 68 MPH (110 km/h). Do not exceed
68 MPH (110 km/h) in the 2 position.
1 (Low gear):
Use this position when climbing steep hills
slowly or slow driving through deep snow,
sand or mud, or for maximum engine brak-
ing on steep downhill grades.
Do not shift into the 1 position at speeds
above 34 MPH (55 km/h). Do not exceed 34
MPH (55 km/h) in the 1 position.
Accelerator downshift
in D position
For rapid passing or hill climbing while driv-
ing, fully depress the accelerator pedal to
the floor. This shifts the transmission down
into third gear, second gear or first gear,
depending on vehicle speed.OVERDRIVE SWITCH
ON: With the engine running and the
selector lever in the D (Drive) posi-
tion, the transmission upshifts into
OVERDRIVE as vehicle speed in-
creases.
OVERDRIVE does not engage until the
engine has reached operating tempera-
ture.
OFF: For driving up and down long slopes
where engine braking is necessary
push the OVERDRIVE switch once.
The O/D OFF indicator light in theinstrument panel comes on at this
time.
When cruising at a low speed or
climbing a gentle slope, you may feel
uncomfortable shift shocks as the
transmission shifts between third gear
and overdrive repeatedly. In this case,
depress the OVERDRIVE switch to
turn the OVERDRIVE off. The O/D
OFF indicator light in the instrument
panel comes on at this time.
When driving conditions change, depress
the overdrive switch to turn the OVER-
DRIVE on.
Remember not to drive at high speeds for
extended periods of time with the OVER-
DRIVE off. This reduces fuel economy.ASD1007
5-8Starting and driving
ZX

WARNING
cDo not downshift abruptly on slip-
pery roads. This may cause a loss of
control.
cDo not over-rev the engine when
shifting to a lower gear. This may
cause a loss of control or engine
damage.
CAUTION
cDo not rest your foot on the clutch
pedal while driving. This may cause
clutch damage.
cStop your vehicle completely before
shifting into R (Reverse).
cWhen the vehicle is stopped for a
duration, for example at a stop light,
shift to N (Neutral) and release the
clutch pedal with the foot brake ap-
plied.
Shifting with manual transmission
To change gears, fully depress the clutch
pedal, then move the shift lever to the
desired gear. After shifting, release the
clutch pedal slowly.
You cannot shift directly from fifth gear into
R (Reverse). First shift into N (Neutral), then
into R (Reverse).
If it is difficult to move the shift lever into R
(Reverse) or 1st, shift into N (Neutral), then
release and depress the clutch pedal again
and shift into R (Reverse) or 1st.
Suggested shift-up speeds
The following are suggested vehicle speeds
for shifting into a higher gear. These sug-
gestions relate to fuel economy and vehicle
performance. Actual shift-up speeds will
vary according to road conditions, the
weather and individual driving habits.
For quick acceleration in low altitude areas
(less than 4,000 ft [1,219 m]) and normal
acceleration in high altitude areas (over
4,000 ft [1,219 m]):
GEAR CHANGE MPH (km/h)
1st to 2nd 15 (25)
2nd to 3rd 25 (40)
3rd to 4th 40 (65)
4th to 5th 45 (75)
SD1022
DRIVING WITH MANUAL
TRANSMISSION
Starting and driving5-9
ZX

To engage:pull the lever up.
To release:
1. Firmly apply the foot brake.
2. Manual transmission models:
Place the shift lever in the N (Neutral)
position.
Automatic transmission models:
Move the shift selector lever to the P
(Park) position.
3. While pulling up on the lever slightly,
push the button and lower completely.
4. Before driving, be sure the brake warning
light goes out.Precautions
cIf the cruise control system malfunctions,
it cancels automatically. The cruise light
in the instrument panel then blinks to
warn the driver.
cIf the cruise light in the instrument panel
blinks, turn the cruise control main switch
off and have the system checked by your
NISSAN dealer.
cThe cruise indicator light in the instru-
ment panel may blink when the cruise
control main switch is turned ON while
pushing the RES/ACCEL, COAST/SET,or CANCEL switch (located on the steer-
ing wheel). To properly set the cruise
control system, perform the following
steps in the order indicated.
WARNING
Do not use the cruise control when
driving under the following conditions:
cWhen it is not possible to keep the
vehicle at a set speed.
cin heavy traffic or in traffic that var-
ies in speed.
ASD1005ASD0603
CRUISE CONTROL
(if so equipped)
5-12Starting and driving
ZX